During the summer months, humpback, finback and minke whales migrate to Long Island waters to feed on the plankton and krill that are plentiful near the surface of the ocean. During these months is the best opportunity for taking whale watching tours near Long Island.
You can take a large boat that will carry dozens of passengers or smaller vessels that give the opportunity for a more intimate setting and a more personal tour guide that can help to educate you about these incredible creatures, there habits and habitat.
Most whale watching vessels are also equipped with under water microphones and PA systems that can pick up sounds the whales make. If you are lucky enough to have a whale close by that is “vocalizing,” with it’s distinctive songs of squeaks and grunts, you will get to hear it’s unique voice on the boat.
These majestic creatures are amazing to see up close. Whale’s size and power are truly astounding to witness. Whales are intelligent creatures that are very curious. At times they will follow right along side the whale watching boat, which gives you an amazing experience that you can remember for a lifetime.
Humpback whales have become the favorite whales to see. They reach upwards of 55 feet in length, weighing in at upwards of 50 tons. They are dark in color with nodules on their rostrum. Their huge flippers that propel them through the water are almost a third of their body length. They are an endangered species, but are growing in number thanks to more strict whaling restrictions.
Because a lot of this generation of whale has never known a boat to be an enemy, more and more of the whales are comfortable coming right up to the boats, rubbing against them, circling the boats, or rolling on its side and extending its flipper almost as if it was waving hello!
Whale watching season starts in late spring and goes through until September. Prices start around $20 to $35 dollars. If you have a larger budget you can charter your own vessel for around $500 per hour.
Whale watching has helped educate people about these magnificent creatures and has helped to create more protection for them as more whaling restrictions are enacted. If you are visiting Long Island during the summer months make sure to jump aboard a whale watching vessel for a fun tour that can create memories to last a lifetime.
